Our meetings are held the second Monday of each month.
Meetings are at 7 p.m., but attendees are invited to arrive
10-15 minutes early for a sweet treat and to meet members.
We begin our program at 7:00, followed by a short break
and the business meeting
Meetings will be held September through May, at Assumption
Church Hall, 27 Adams Street South, Manchester, CT. Park in
the lot behind the church and enter through the back parking
lot door. Please check
individual listings as locations and format may change.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
Bring a Plant, Get a Plant
Welcome back to the garden club with an old-fashioned plant
swap! Plan on bringing a nice specimen from your own
garden, or one that is purchased. Perennials are preferred,
houseplants are welcome. This meeting marks the beginning of
the new program year. In addition to a plant, please bring
a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry.
Plenty of time to get re-acquainted with our fellow
membership, and guests are welcome to attend.
OCTOBER 16, 2023
Michele MacKinnon: Bulbs: The
Bold and the Beautiful
With a little planning and a minimum of care, bulbs provide
a kaleidoscope of color and interest, indoor and out, all
year. Master Gardener Michele MacKinnon from the northeast
corner of Connecticut, will share her knowledge about using
bulbs in our gardens. Her careful observation of plant and
wildlife behaviors in her own garden have inspired many
statewide residents to dig in, get dirty and enjoy their
gardens. This presentation will be the perfect time of year
to start our own bulb planning and planting!
NOVEMBER 13 , 2023
Samuel King: Composting and the Environment
Samuel King is an experienced sustainability entrepreneur
and advocate in the fields of waste, energy, and climate
change. He is a co-owner of
Blue Earth Compost in Hartford,
CT, where he works in various roles relating to the growth
and management of the business. He will be speaking on
composting, soil and the effects of food waste on the
environment.
As an advocate, Mr. King has
been involved as a community organizer in fighting fossil
fuel projects locally and nationally. Mr. King's work now
centers around finding solutions for a transition to a
sustainable waste infrastructure in CT. Sam is a 2014
graduate of UMass Amherst with a BA. Sc. in Sustainable
Community Development.
DECEMBER 11, 2023
Holiday Workshop
Members will make holiday arrangements for the
residents of Ada Lane.
Check email to members for details.
JANUARY 8, 2024
Mike Orlowski:
Floral Design
Michael Orlowski is the owner and operator of
Park Hill
Joyce Flower Shop, 36 Oak Street, Manchester, CT. Mike is
known for his artistic floral designs whether for special
occasions, holidays, or funerals. Mike’s presentation will
engage his audience through the creation of beautiful
arrangements while demonstrating the fundamentals and
techniques of floral design. The importance of flower
selection and preparation will be noted. Mike enjoys
interaction and conversation with the audience while
arranging floral designs and encourages audience
participation through questions. At the end of the program
a lucky winner will take home a floral design.
FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Dr. Richard Benfield: Around the
World in 80 Gardens Known for his humor we
travel with Dr. Richard Benfield through an interactive
approach exploring 80 of the most magnificent gardens in the
world that covers seven continents. Beginning with the lush
gardens of the pacific, through the arid gardens of
Australia and tropical gardens of Seychelles and Canary
Islands and culminating in the beautiful English country
gardens, of his home country, and finishing with the unique
gardens of the United State and Canada.
Dr. Richard Benfield, is a Professor Emeritus from Central
Connecticut University. In 2013, his best-selling book
Garden Tourism was published by CABI Press, Abington,
England and in 2020 a second edition, New Directions in
Garden Tourism was published by CABI. He is currently,
working on the nexus of Plant Predators and National Parks
around the world.
MARCH 11, 2024
George Trecina
Unraveling the Mysteries of
Pruning: Learn to Manage Your Shrubs and Trees for the
Long Haul
More info will be posted when available.
APRIL 8, 2024
Dr. Richard Cowles:
Climate Change and the Impact on Gardens and Roses.
More info will be posted
when available.
MAY 6, 2024
Pamm Copper: Good
Bugs, Bad Bugs
More info will be posted when available.
JUNE 10, 2024
June Party
Party
plans will be available in the spring.
Contact MGC at info@manchestergardenclubs.org